The first epics were intended for recitation; the literary epic is meant to be read.
Lascelles AbercrombieFor the stage displays the first vigorous expression, as the natural thing and without conspicuous restraint, of private individuality.
Lascelles AbercrombieThat is to say, epic poetry has been invented many times and independently; but, as the needs which prompted the invention have been broadly similar, so the invention itself has been.
Lascelles Abercrombie